Our Ultimate Guide to Ottawa’s 2024 Santa Claus Parades: A Holiday Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss!
The holiday season is finally here, and Ottawa is sparkling with festive joy as the city gears up for a variety of Santa Claus parades! Whether you’re looking to enjoy some family-friendly entertainment, support local charities, or simply soak in the holiday cheer, these parades are the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best Santa Claus parades happening in and around Ottawa in 2024. Grab your coat, gather your loved ones, and get ready to experience the magic of the season!
🎅 1. Ottawa’s Help Santa Toy Parade
Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Route: Starting at Elgin and Laurier, proceeding west to Bank Street and concluding at Lansdowne Park.
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the iconic Help Santa Toy Parade. It’s one of Ottawa’s longest-running parades, and it’s all about spreading holiday cheer while supporting local families in need. Don’t forget to bring a donation for the Toy Mountain campaign – a fantastic way to give back to the community during the holiday season.
🎄 2. Kanata Santa Claus Parade
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Route: Starts at Hazeldean Mall and travels through the heart of Kanata.
Kanata’s Santa Claus Parade is a wonderful way to bring your holiday season to life. The parade will showcase festive floats, local performances, and of course, Santa Claus himself! It’s an early morning event, so bundle up and get ready to start the day with some festive cheer.
🎁 3. Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade
Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM
Route: Parade along Strandherd Drive.
Looking for a magical evening experience? The Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade offers an enchanting display of lighted floats, entertainment, and of course, Santa making his grand entrance. With its evening start time, this parade lights up the streets and brings a warm, festive glow to the community.
🎆 4. Santa’s Parade of Lights in Orléans
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Route: St. Joseph Boulevard, from Youville Drive to Prestone Drive.
One of the highlights of the Orléans holiday season is the Santa’s Parade of Lights. This illuminated parade features breathtaking light displays, festive floats, and performances that are sure to impress. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the season’s beauty, and it’s a great event for the whole family.
✨ 5. Stittsville Parade of Lights
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Route: South on Stittsville Main Street, from Brown’s YIG to Carleton Cathcart.
The Stittsville Parade of Lights is a community favorite, lighting up the streets with stunning illuminated floats. This year, they’re encouraging attendees to bring donations for the local Stittsville Food Bank, so it’s the perfect chance to give back while enjoying a festive evening.
🎁 6. Riverside South’s Toy Mountain Parade
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Route: Starting at St. Jerome Elementary and proceeding up Spratt Road to Bernard Grandmaitre Elementary.
Riverside South’s Toy Mountain Parade is another fantastic opportunity to give back this holiday season. The parade is filled with vibrant floats, entertainment, and a lot of community spirit. Don’t forget to bring a toy for the Toy Mountain campaign – it’s a wonderful way to help children in need.
🎄 7. Almonte’s Christmas Night Parade
Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Route: Starting at the John Levi Community Centre in Almonte.
Experience the quaint charm of Almonte during their Christmas Night Parade. The small-town atmosphere combined with festive lights creates a memorable holiday experience. Perfect for families looking for a relaxing, yet festive way to celebrate the season.
🎅 8. Manotick’s Parade of Lights
Date: Friday, November 29 to Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Route: Through Main Street and Manotick Mews.
The Manotick Parade of Lights is one of the most anticipated events of the season. Featuring stunning light displays, fun floats, and a wonderful sense of community, this parade is sure to make your holiday season even brighter.
🌲 9. Country Christmas Holiday Light Festival
Date: November 30 to December 30, 2024
Details: A stunning walking trail adorned with thousands of colorful lights and music at Saunders Farm.
Take a walk through Saunders Farm’s Country Christmas Holiday Light Festival and immerse yourself in the beauty of holiday lights. This festival is perfect for a nighttime stroll with loved ones and a great way to enjoy the beauty of the season.
✨ 10. Christmas Lights Across Canada
Date: December 5, 2024, to January 7, 2025
Details: Ottawa’s downtown is adorned with twinkling lights and holiday displays.
Ottawa’s Christmas Lights Across Canada event transforms the downtown core, including the Parliament Buildings and major parks, into a glittering holiday wonderland. It’s a must-see for anyone looking to experience Ottawa’s festive charm.
💫 11. Taffy Lane Street of Lights
Date and Time: 1st to 30th December, after 5 PM
Details: A neighborhood holiday light display in Orléans.
Taffy Lane is famous for its incredible display of Christmas lights. If you love neighborhood light displays, this one is a must-see! Pack a hot chocolate and take a walk or drive down this magical street to see the festive creativity of local residents.
🎅 12. Smiths Falls Celebration of Lights
Date and Time: December 2 – January 7, 2024, Dusk to 11:30 PM
Details: A beautiful light display at Centennial Park.
The Smiths Falls Celebration of Lights offers a peaceful and beautiful holiday light experience, perfect for families or anyone looking to get in the holiday spirit. It’s a serene and stunning display of thousands of lights that are sure to make your evening merry and bright.
🌟 13. Holiday Light Tour in Riverside South
Details: Explore the beautifully lit houses of the Riverside South community.
Take a self-guided tour through Riverside South’s decorated streets and enjoy the sparkling light displays created by local residents. It’s a fun way to enjoy the festive season with your loved ones!
🌲 14. Stanley’s Holiday Stroll
Date and Time: December 5 to 7, 19 to 14, 19 to 22, 27, 28, 2024, from 6 PM – 9 PM
Details: A magical stroll through forest trails decorated with colorful lights.
For a unique and enchanting holiday experience, head to Stanley’s Holiday Stroll. Walk through forest trails adorned with stunning light displays, creating a tranquil and magical atmosphere for you to enjoy with friends and family.
Capture the Magic & Share Your Holiday Moments!
Don’t forget to share your festive moments on social media using the hashtags #OttawaChristmasParade and the specific hashtags for each community. Whether you’re attending one of these incredible parades or exploring the magical light displays, let’s make this holiday season one to remember, together!
The holiday season is a time for family, community, and celebration. Whether you’re new to the Ottawa area or a lifelong resident, there’s something truly special about the local parades and holiday events. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare to enjoy a season filled with light, joy, and festive cheer!